tequlia is my poison

nora bartender at the fisherman |RP Blog|

[noravasquezz]

matiasxbelmonte‌:

@noravasquezz​

This was, undoubtedly, one of the better weeks of the year. Matías had found himself a yearly hospital gig through Miguel (second dad and nurse at the hospital) over at the children’s ward. It was a full four days of dressing up the main wall for the holidays, each having their own section to fill up with drawings and paint to their own wishes. The mural would stay up for a couple of months before it would eventually be painted over, but it offered something warm and homely to those that had to spend the holidays stuck in an otherwise dull environment. 

However, the time came in which lunch called for the children’s attention and the paint had to be allowed to dry – thus Matías found himself going to the cafeteria for a quick snack and a cup of coffee. Art didn’t create itself on an empty stomach. The only problem came to be as he was already standing there. tray in hand, as he realized all the tables were claimed one way or another. He was on his way to seek out a spot outside in the hall, when his eyes caught sight of a table with a singular person attached to it. Maybe they’d be open to share? Placing a humble smile onto his lips, Matías approached the woman and cleared his throat to gain her attention. “Do you mind if we share? Seem a bit full today. I promise I won’t be a bother.”

Nora was never fond of hospitals, they always smelt odd to her. War infirmaries overtook your senses with the strong smell of blood and sweat, while public ones were too clean, too polished. She was never fond of hospitals but as of late she was around them more than ever. Whether it be for regular checkups or scans, she was fed up the amount she spent in them. Nora even suggested multiple times that she should just be here full time, but they declined each time, adding to her frustration. 

Today, she got called in for the results of her scans, but instead, she was in the cafeteria picking at her cup of fruit salad. Sure, she had been half an hour late, but that didn’t call for them telling her to come back after two hours. Her scoffs were louder than their reasoning. Nora had nowhere else to be, and she knew if she left, she wouldn’t be coming back for the remainder of that day. 

She had half a thought to tell him to sit somewhere else, but taking a quick a glance around she sighed in defeat. “No, go ahead,” she replied moving her tray so there was more space. “I think there’s some event going on, it’s more crowded than usual.”

[noravasquezz]

devynroberts‌:

Devyn rolled her eyes at the smart-aleck response. “Bull, don’t lie to me. I know you.” It wasn’t like she expected anything less from the soldier but once, just once she’d thought the other woman would listen to and accept her opinions and warnings. It didn’t look like that was going to happen today or anytime soon but as her Doctor was would stress the importance of rest even if it went on deaf ears. 

Although she’d never admit it out loud she sort of enjoyed their light-hearted banter and figured spending a bit longer with her patient outside of work couldn’t hurt. She definitely heard the slightly flirtatious comment from Nora but chose not to read too much into it jut yet, settling for just quirking a brow up at the other in response. “Being stubborn isn’t really an excuse, Nora. I’m stubborn however when my doctors give me sound advice I listen to it.” Her voice lowered, locking eyes with the other. “I don’t want anything to happen to you…you know since you’re my patient. Anyway, I hope this ill-advised activity means you’re feeling better. Though this isn’t how I’d like to see you, I am glad to see you up and out of that hospital bed.” She rubbed her neck, kind of hesitant to ask her next question but as one of Nora’s doctor she felt some sort of obligation, and perhaps she was actually genuinely worried. “Have you thought more about what we talked about? The…uh…rehab center” She whispered the last bit, trying to be considerate. 

“Oh, language, doc, it’s not proper to swear for someone of your profession,” she said with a light chuckle. “Do you now?” Nora retorted, “Tell me then, if you know me, do you think I’ll take your advice?” She didn’t want to hear the doctor speech, not today, today was meant to be lighthearted and trouble free. Her morning started of well enough and her run wasn’t so bad, even bumping into Devyn wasn’t catastrophic but if they kept up this conversation it might be. 

Nora knew Devyn could be stubborn, when her hospital checks began she was handed from from one person to the next, but Devyn was adamant in getting her on a path to recovery, but the thing was Nora was too broken to be fixed. If stubbornness had been a competition, Nora would win. Nora scoffed at her words, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear, “Other doctors have told me I’d be fine in a few weeks, it’s coming up to a year now and I’m nowhere near fine, so really, how sound is your advice?”  Her tone was snappy as irritation bubbled inside her, she didn’t like being told what to do and how to be, she had enough of that in the army, she was a civilian now, she does as she pleases. “I’ll be right back in it tomorrow, don’t fret, we’ll get more doctor-patient time.” It was also during her army days, Nora learned the art of reading people, and Devyn’s slight hesitation to speak, only meant Nora would not like her next question. When the words were finally out, as predicted, Nora was not happy. The playfulness in her voice dissolved as a scowl took over her features, irritation she felt before sparked up again, “God, this again... look, I told you then, and I’ll tell you now, it’s no use. I can’t be fixed. Stop trying.”    

[noravasquezz]

devynroberts‌:

Devyn ran whenever she could. Most times she was so busy with work she didn’t even have time to do things as trivial as exercise. It didn’t bother her all that much though, Devyn loved her work and strived to make sure that every single one of her patients came first even if that meant giving up her own bit of free time. Luckily today was an actual off day, and it seemed so far she wouldn’t be getting a call into work. So Devyn thought she’d take advantage of it seeing as there wasn’t much else to do around the town. She was still relatively new around Kelowna and hadn’t had too many friends that she was either close to or who weren’t just as busy as she was with work.

Again none of this bothered her much, Devyn sometimes preferred the alone time. So here she was doing some stretches and breathing before she set off on the running path. She picked a playlist on her phone, popping in her earbuds and off she went.

She focused on her breathing, her heart rate, and her pace as she ran. Making sure to control these aspects as well as she could. It was an unconscious habit, the Doctor and slight health nut in her not allowing her own mind to wander off into something none work-related. However, this didn’t last long as a very familiar figure came into view in front of her. Surprisingly -or maybe not so much-her heart rate picked up, her jaw clenched a bit and feet moved faster in order to catch up to the woman. She wasn’t sure what the overwhelming feeling that bubbled inside of her was, maybe she was slightly protective of the woman or maybe it was frustration. Whatever it was it propelled her, even more, when she saw the woman stop and lean against a wall, seemingly in distress.

Devyn narrowed her eyes at Nora and huffed lightly trying to get her own breathing under control. “Not intentionally, but now I feel like I should be. Nora, what are doing? You know this much activity so soon isn’t good for your injury. Your heart. Your body.” She shook her head, “I’ve told you this so many times, why are you so stubborn? Do you want to hurt yourself more?”

She didn’t need a second glance to know who was standing beside her. She wasn’t aware Devyn was behind her, caught up in her own thoughts and the moment, Nora didn’t pay attention to her surroundings. As the shadow moved, Nora also turned to face her, “Hey doc,” she said casually, “Didn’t reliase being a stalker was also one of your talents.” Their relationship was purely professional, then why did a smile find her way onto her lips when she meet her gaze, why did the coldness in her voice melt every time they spoke? Nora, much like anything else, didn’t have the answer to these questions and she would prefer not to dwell on them in case she found a reason, it would not bode them well. 

“Hmm okay sure,” she said with a playful roll of her eyes, Uh- I’m running, a little physical activity is fine.” A little, what Nora attempted was not little, and they both knew that, but Nora didn’t want to sit idle, and it was a rare feeling, but she also didn’t want to spend her good day holed up and numb. “Yes. If it means pretty doctors like you get to fix me, what’s the harm?” The words feel of her lips with a ease she’s not used to, but ever since being back and attending multiple hospital appointments, Devyn was a light she was not expecting. “Don’t you like a little stubbornness, doc? Don’t know what else you were expecting from me.”   

[noravasquezz]

Running was all Nora had these days. Her doctors had told her on multiple occasion to go slow and take it easy, but Nora was never the one listen. Running was the only thing that connected to her old life, it reminded her of better days. Her leg throbbed as her sneakers collided harshly with the ground, but she pushed past the pain, it was a good thing she told her herself, a sign you still feel something. Most days she tried to numb that feeling, but today as she took to the streets of her hometown, she wanted to feel something, anything.

People stared but she didn’t hold their gaze. News traveled when she came back, but she drowned all their voices at the bottom of a bottle each night. It was her coping mechanism after all. But she ran today, away from her thoughts and away from the people who stared. Wind blew around her as she slowly picked up speed, feet hitting the pavement harder with each step until she couldn’t go any further. Her heartbeat pounded loud in her ears as she softly crashed  against a nearby wall, chest heaving up and down, desperate for air. She made it further than a couple weeks ago, it wasn’t much but it was progress.

As she brushed hair away from her face, she noticed a figure in her peripheral vision, “Been following me have you?” she asked out of breath.

[noravasquezz]

Headcanons:

Her personality has changed drastically over the years. Before war and college, she was a friendly person with a kind smile on her face. She was social and loved talking to people about everything. But the events she faced at college changed her and war completely broke her. Nowadays, she’s a cynical, sarcastic little thing. She has her moments where she’s fun to be around, in those times you can catch a glimpse of the old Nora, but it usually doesn’t last long and we’re back to square one.

Being back among civilians and adjusting to the simple life was hard and for the first few months as she woke almost each night in cold sweat, she didn’t cope well. Due to her injuries and PTSD, she goes to therapy and will never admit this but it actually does help her. Talking to people who also have been in a war zone helps her feel like she isn’t the only one.

Even though she shouldn’t, because of her leg, she loves to run. It keeps her focused and helps her feel connected to her old self. She just hates the fact that she can’t run long distances like she used to.

Her drink of choice is Tequila.

She has a few scars, main ones being by her rib cage and down her right leg. The scars themselves don’t hurt, but if pressure is applied to those spots, Nora will be in pain due to nerve damage around those areas.

[kelownahq]

WELCOME TO KELOWNA, LENORA “NORA” VASQUEZ

Age: 34

Gender: Cis female

Pronouns: She & Her

Sexual & Romantic orientation: Bisexual

Occupation: Bartender at Fisherman’s

Hometown: Kelowna

Triggers in bio or character: death mention, infidelity, war mention, substance abuse

BIOGRAPHY:

There are a lot of reasons people join the army; a sense of duty, family obligation, tragedy and even life spiraling out of control could be a reason for signing up. Lenora fell into all the above categories.

Growing up, Lenora had a normal childhood, her parents were crazy rich or did they struggle, they were in the middle ground and content with the lives they led. School was also not a problem area for her, she got decent grades and had a decent amount of friends to not be a loner. She was on the track and field team, with running being her preferred sport and was even prom queen, with loving parents and an adorable boyfriend, life was completely normal.

It was during college that multiple tragedies hit her one after the other, giving her no room or time to recover and by the end of it, she was not the same person as she once was. The news of her parents divorce hit her first, she always held her parents marriage on a high pedestal, sure she knew they fought sometimes but it seemed healthy, but it turned out there were a lot of underlying issues that she couldn’t see. Just mere months after that, the news of her aunt’s death rocked the family to the core. Her family had deep roots in the armed forces, her aunt was on tour and was due back soon but fate it seems fate had other plans, the report said she was killed in battle, Nora knew the dangers of service, but she never expected tragedy to hit so close to home. She leaned heavily on her boyfriend during those tough times, he was the light at the end of a dark tunnel during and to show her love and appreciation she planned on proposing to him after they graduated college. The third and final blow hit her a few weeks before graduation, the news of his infidelity went around campus before reaching her ears and that was the straw that broke the camels back. She gave up on life and holed herself up and never came out.

For two years Nora walked around with no goals or hope, barely talking or interacting with anyone she was just an empty shell of a person. No one was surprised when she made the decision to join the army, she did come from a military background after all, her parents protested but she was of age and they couldn’t stop her. The decision had not been easy but she wasn’t left with many other options, she couldn’t always find comfort at the bottom of a bottle. And then she fell in love in the middle of a war zone. It was unexpected but the sparks were undeniable. They joined at the same time, were put in the same unit and shipped off to the same location, how could someone not form a bond? In all the calls back home, she never mentioned she found love, her parents were traditional, they would only tell her to think rationally and not to confuse friendship with love, but it was love and it was with a woman. Her life finally began clicking back into place, but tragedy would soon strike again.

Her first tour went by smoothly and without any major incidents, but it was halfway into her next term, shit hit the fan. A week after setting up camp, they were ambushed and her team had the most casualties. At this moment Nora wished she had died instead because once the dust cleared, the love of her life was face down with a scarlet line across her neck. Six out of the fourteen members made it out with their lives, Nora sustained multiple bullet wounds and along with her team was airlifted out of the battlefield.

The doctors told her she was lucky that the bullets just missed her major organs, she had; multiple broken ribs, broken her leg in three places and a few scrapes from bullet shrapnel. All  fixable they said, but she didn’t want to be fixed anymore, there was no point. She was discharged and given into the care of medical professionals back in Kelowna. Her whole world flipped upside down again and Nora quickly fell back into old habits. With extra support from prescription medication and her forever faithful, alcohol, she blurred out the world and didn’t give a damn. Her doctors warned her about addiction, but the drugs eased the pain she felt in her heart and numbed the ache from her injuries, how could that be a bad thing?  

Adjusting to civilian life was hard, she wasn’t normal and could never go back to being normal. She has frequent checkups for her injuries and even goes to therapy for her PTSD, it’s a slow progress, slowed down further by her dependency on alcohol but for a person who had nothing, this was something

LENORA reminds me of KARLA SOUZA and is written by PACE

[prettymysticfalls]

[noravasquezz]

prettymysticfalls‌:

It’s my job as an actress to break with that. I love getting dirty. It will be another challenge, now I have the position of saying no to projects that do not give me any acting challenge.